| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 9 positive, 0 negative]
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| 11/15/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Review from our Homeaway listing:
Rating5 out of 5
Gorgeous cottage
Alex and Phil New England, USA
Review Submitted: November 10, 2009 Date of Stay: June 2009
We spent a week in early July at this tasteful cottage with the breathtaking
view. Every detail of the house is aesthetically pleasing and practical and
comfortable. We found the kitchen very well equipped for cooking. The linens
and towels are good quality and quite new. The house was spotlessly clean.
Stewart was helpful but not intrusive. He went out of his way to provide us
with excellent tips on what to do in the area. The nearby beach is secluded
and off the beaten track so we had it to ourselves. It is a lovely sandy beach
with nice calm waters for swimming (though this must be weather
dependent). We highly recommend this spectacular spot.
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alex and phil
Mass.
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| 11/07/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
From our Homeaway listing:
Rating5 out of 5
Sensational
Michael&June Asheville, North Carolina
Review Submitted: October 31, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009
We can't say enough about this place. We enjoyed the coziness and architectural features of
the cottage. It has a spectacular view towards the water that is absolutely relaxing. Stewart
and Bell are charming, helpful folks. There is no TV or radio, which was refreshing. It really
forced us to relax and get away from it all. We enjoyed the whole island, but we certainly
would stay on that side of the island again. It is quiet and quaint and was just what we were
looking for. We hope someday to return to the Chimney Corners cottage. It's absolutely
lovely and stunning.
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Michael and June
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| 11/07/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
From our Homeaway Listing:
Rating5 out of 5
lovely oceanside cottage with spectacular views
strawberryandtomato wisconsin, usa
Review Submitted: November 1, 2009 Date of Stay: October 2009
Its description fits this lovely cottage exactly...and even though we had unseason cool
and wet fall Cape Breton weather, we could stay warm burning wood in the wood stove,
and read, enjoying the fantastic ocean view through the tall and wide "wall of windows"
facing the ocean..even saw rainbows and bald eagle. The new deck is large and will be
lovely to sit in with the same view, weather depending!. Stewart's hospitality was very
appreciated, and he was quick to answer any questions. Highly recommend this
cottage, and looking forward to coming again!!
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Deb and Barry
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| 10/11/09 |
Positive
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| My husband and I just returned from spending the most amazing week at the Chimney Corner Cottage near Margaree Harbour on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Our stay and Stewart and Bell's hospitality far surpassed our expectations and we are already planning a trip back next summer. The cottage, built by Stewart, is amazing! There is no detail missing in regards to the comfort the cottage provides and the magnificent views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the sitting area, the kitchen, the porch, and the upstairs bedroom. We watched a bald eagle nearly fly up to the back porch, watched seals daily in the bay near the beach and a large pod of pilot whales moving slowly up the gulf. The location of the cottage is also on the Cabot Trail and provides easy access to explore all areas of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the East side of Cape Breton. We saw large moose on two occasions and completed the trail several times. You must also visit Cape Breton Clay and purchase one of Bell's beautiful art creations, shop at Two Mac's, eat at the Dancing Goat, and much more than we can ever list here. If you are even considering a trip to this magical and spiritual land, the perfect compliment is staying at this cottage. |
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Lori, Oklahoma City, OKLA |
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| 08/31/09 |
Positive
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We New Englander's are known to keep our very special places a secret, which makes us hesitant about
revealing all of the reasons why we love this cottage and this part of Cape Breton so much. Aesthetically, it
just doesn't get much better...simple, non-cluttered, tasteful, artistically pleasing is how we would
describe the architecture and the decor of the cottage. The views are breath-taking. The weather is a
constant "show" which you can easily view from inside or outside, depending on the wind and
temperature. We rarely left at night, not wanting to miss a single heart-breakingly beautiful sunset.
Cooking is a delight in the kitchen and we enjoyed dinners at the kitchen table with candlelight and music.
Breakfasts were on the new deck, followed by day after day of exploring in all directions...horseback
riding, hiking in the Highlands, visiting the "other-side" of the island (like the coast of Maine but "on-
steroids"!), exploring the many "Margarees" and the rivers and trails that are less travelled. Leaving for
home on Saturday morning was sad... although we know we will return and enjoy a reunion with our
charming hosts, Stewart and Bell, and their irresistable dog, Ryder. |
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Jody and Rick, Hancock, NH |
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| 08/30/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
From our Homeaway listing:
An extraordinary experience
Review Submitted: August 28, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009
Edgar's Ma, New York, NY
We had the pleasure of staying at this lovely cottage for one week in August 2009. It is architecturally so beautiful, and so impeccably maintained, it was indeed a sad day when we left.
We enjoyed a variety of weather "events," from spectacular lightening storms to warm, sunny days. The beach nearby is only a few minutes drive down the road which was such a delight to swim in. Actually there are several beaches in the area, all of which are lightly populated and lovely places to spend the afternoon. We spent the days touring around and swimming, and every night had dinner on the deck while watching the sunset.
Stewart and Bell were outstanding hosts in every regard. While their own house is nearby, they are very respectful of the guests' privacy - and to be honest it is nice to know someone is close at hand should you need them. Their presence is a great help, not a hindrance.
I believe it is best for a couple or small family, as there is one bedroom. The internet connection is spotty, but it is sufficient to check emails, and one does not need a rapid internet connection when there is so much to do outside, anyway. It takes a bit of sleuthing to find things like organic produce on Cape Breton; if you have a special diet, be sure to bring those items with you. Overall we had a fabulous time and would highly recommend this property. If only all vacation homes were like it!
Owner's response: With respect to our high-speed system, we are part of a rural cooperative network that is a temporary solution until the Province of Nova Scotia completes its plan to provide high-speed service to all residents by the end of 2009. Generally the speed of the connection is 1.5 mbs., which is standard here, and which allows normal browsing. On some occasions, temporary bottlenecks (resulting from heavy use at peak times) slow the system. However, by the spring of 2010, we will have access to the provincial network, which will eliminate these slowdowns.
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Edgar's Ma
New York, NY
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| 08/30/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
From our Homeaway Listing:
Excellent Experience!
Review Submitted: August 19, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2009
TMP AND MM, Vermont
My boyfriend and I stayed at the Chimney Corner cottage for one week in late July. The cottage was impeccably clean, tastefully decorated, and well-stocked with essential kitchenware, linens, books and music. The location and design of the cottage capture the stunning beauty and simplicity that make Cape Breton unique. Stewart, the host, was non-intrusive yet very helpful. He provided valuable information about the best spots on the island,
ensured the grill tank was full, and on one occasion opened up the house so it would be cool when we returned home late in the evening. We have recommended the cottage to family and are looking forward to returning when the seasons change.
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TMP AND MM
Vermont
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| 08/19/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
From our Homeaway Listing:
We stayed for a week in July 09 with our 12 month old and we loved it. The
house is within walking distance of a great beach and the views from the
house (and its great big sunny deck) are spectacular. The house is
comfortable, it's clean and it's very quiet and private. It really feels like a
holiday. We felt we were really far away from it all and yet we could drive into
the Park gates within about 40 minutes. I would love to stay here again and
will recommend it to friends and family.
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lfj
Vancouver, BC
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| 08/01/09 |
Positive
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| Stewart and Belle provided a wonderful home away for home for us during our vacation in Margaree Valley. They have thought of everything to make it easy on the traveler. They are just as nice as the accomodations they provide. If you have never been to this beautiful part of the world, this home is a perfect way to introduce yourself. |
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Anonymous, Burlington, MA
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| 07/29/09 |
Positive
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| The pictures on the website don't lie, except that it's even better to be there in person! Stewart and Bell are great (helpful if you need it, not intrusive if you just want to veg). Don't miss Bell's Baddeck shop - one, if not THE nicest on the island - or breakfast/lunch at the Dancing Goat Cafe. Plenty of things to do within easy driving distance (mostly nature related), but you may not want to leave the cottage. Nirvana for those who want to get away from it all. My only caution is that given the cottage's proximity to a cliff, I'd think twice before booking if traveling with small children. HIGHLY recommended (just please leave a week or two open for me each year)! |
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Lane, Harrisburg, PA |
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Homeowner Response:
This guest, whom we enjoyed having, is right to express concern about the cliff, but only for those parents who think their children will not listen to their instructions. The cliff is about 200 feet from the cottage. Most guests stay in the cottage or on the deck when they are not touring. There is also plenty to see on our property which is not near the cliff. We have had a number of guests stay here with children of ages ranging from infants to teens without any problems. (Obviously, infants are fine because they are not mobile.) Parents will be the best judges of whether their children will present problems in this situation.
Stewart Applegath
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| 07/08/09 |
Positive
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| We were very fortunate to have found the lovely cottage at Chimney Corner. The views are amazing and the cottage was everything we had hoped for and more. Stewart and Bell offered such great advice on what to see and do and were so helpful with directions, etc. They helped make our first visit to Cape Breton a wonderful one and we hope to visit again and stay at this great place again. |
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Mark and Susan, Centennial, CO |
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| 06/28/09 |
Positive
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We stayed at Stewart & Bell's Chimney Corner Cottage the third week of June 2009 on our first time visit to Cape Breton Island. How fortunate to find this lovely place. The cottage interior has such grace. The high vaulted ceiling and many windows create an open and airy space. Everything, wherever the eye falls, is pleasing to look at, reflecting Stewart & Bell's visual skills and their generosity in equipping the cottage for the comfort of their guests. And then there is the ultimate luxury of stepping out to an unimpeded vista of sea and sky.
Some of the highlights of our week: our first lingering Chimney Corner sunset; falling asleep under a star-filled Cape Breton sky visible through the large skylight over our bed and waking to sunrise through the opposite skylight; the splendor of Cape Breton Highlands National Park on our day trip to Ingonish and back; meeting friendly locals over delicious soup and sandwich lunches at the Dancing Goat bakery; the music, the music - traditional Scottish at Inverness, Cape Breton fiddlers at the Red Shoe in Mabou and The Barn in Margaree Valley; our chats with Stewart - always helpful, informative, entertaining - he and Bell really care about this special place and it shows. Thank you for the opportunity to savor it. N & T, Columbia, Maryland. |
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N & T, Columbia, Maryland |
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| 03/09/09 |
Positive
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I have stayed at this delightful property a few times, most recently with my wife and two kids in June 2008 It's an absolute dream, for a number of reasons.
First, the house itself is charming, comfortable and spotlessly clean. As the owners Stewart and Bell explained to me, it was designed and built to resemble a traditional Cape Breton cedar-sided house. You can feel the authenticity. It also had everything we needed. Nice kitchen space with new appliances. There's a little living-room area with lots of wall-high windows overlooking the sea. There is a spacious bathroom and good sleeping spaces. Sleeping up in the loft is especially fun.
Second, the view. Cape Breton generally is visually stunning, and this little cottage sits on one of the most stunning spots on the western side of the island. It's near the edge of a cliff overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can watch fishing boats go by out front. And if you're lucky you'll see whales from the living room window (as we did). As well, there's a great little public beach, (that few people know about), that is just a short walk (or an even shorter drive) away.
Third, the owners, Stewart and Bell. They're great. Friendly and knowledgeable about Cape Breton and happy to share what they know (or to leave you alone if that's what you prefer).
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Mark Schacter, Ottawa, Ontario
613 277 6777 |
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| 10/02/08 |
Positive
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| We stayed at this cottage for a week with our 14 month old daughter and couldn't have been happier. The pictures don't do justice, inside or out. Stunning views of the cliffs and ocean are pretty common around Cape Breton, but it is very cool to be able to come home to your cottage every day with such a beautiful setting and spectacular view. Inside, there is a sweet kitchen with all the appliances and utensils you'd need and the décor is warm and stylistic (in an artistic, minimalist sort of way). We loved the location -- very close to some cool towns to explore close by and a good launch point for day trips around the island. The owners (Stewart and Bell) live in the main house close by (they used to live in the cottage, which is probably why it is so warm and liveable now!). They are responsive and helpful (especially regarding where to go and what to do, if you want help), without being intrusive in any way. Lovely people. Getting to know them was a nice bonus. As we toured around Cape Breton, we didn't see any other place that came close -- we're very glad we stumbled across this gem and highly recommend it. J & L from Seattle. |
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Anonymous |
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| 08/26/08 |
Positive
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| We had a wonderful time staying at the Chimney Corner gottage for two weeks. It is peaceful, unbelievably beautiful, utterly lovely. The views are amazing. The area of Margaree is charming. Stewart and Bell (and their dog Ryder)are wonderfully helpful and hospitable. |
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Anonymous |
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